Structural issues close Spring Road bridge
WELTEVREDEN PARK – Ward 126 councillor, David Brand explains the process to be undertaken to have a structurally sound bridge.
The bridge located on Spring Road has been closed, with danger tape and drums as an emergency precaution.
Heavy rains destroyed parts of the bridge and surrounding river bank. An engineer concluded that the bridge is deteriorating quickly, and since its structural integrity could not be guaranteed, it was blocked off on the evening of 23 March.
Ward 126 councillor David Brand said, “The situation will cause chaos with traffic but this is for people’s safety.”
The issues with the bridge include:
• The eastern and western waterways under the bridge have eroded
• The middle supporting bridge pillar and its foundation have been eroded
• Services mounted on the bridge have been exposed and storm water has caused extensive damage to the related infrastructure.
Due to the heavy rains, the gabion baskets which prevent river bank erosion have been washed away, and sewerage lines and a nearby house are in danger of being damaged by heavy water flow.
Brand said a design engineer will be appointed in the next 10 days and a contractor for the bridge should be appointed by May or June. Currently, he is unable to say whether or not the bridge can be repaired or if it will have to be demolished, but it is anticipated that it will have to be demolished.
In the next 10 days, the Joburg Roads Agency will have developed a traffic diversion plan, and signs and barriers will be correctly positioned to bar access to the bridge and divert traffic to alternative routes. Pamphlets will also be given out in the surrounding area to warn residents of the bridge closure.
Brand asked motorists to respect the drum barricade as motorists would only be endangering themselves and others if they are to move it and drive on the bridge. It is estimated the bridge will remain closed for the next 10 months to a year.
Brand said he cannot guarantee what will need to be done or how long it will take but he can guarantee there will be communication. He promised to report back on the bridge’s progress once a month. Residents can contact Brand on david@ward126.co.za
